The Aging HIV Population Is Growing

In the US, HIV began mostly as a disease of young men, but today the
epidemic impacts people of all ages, including older people (age 50 and over).
While 50 may not seem "old," it is often the age currently used by
organizations that keep track of health-related statistics (e.g., the US Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC). It is estimated that, by 2017, one
half of all women living with HIV (HIV+) will be 50 years old or older.
Consequently, issues related to getting and being older with HIV are receiving
more and more attention as this population grows.

The aging HIV+ population is growing for two reasons: 1) powerful HIV drugs
are allowing many HIV+ people to live into their 50s and beyond; and 2) while
most new HIV infections occur in younger people, people 50 and older are being
infected at increasing rates. As a result, while only one in four HIV+ people
in the US was at least 50 years old in 2007, that number will double by
2015.

Many of the medical problems facing HIV+ people now have more to do with
diseases of aging than HIV-related illnesses. This is true because now more
people over 50 are becoming infected with HIV, more HIV+ people are reaching
older age, and more middle-age HIV+ people are experiencing medical problems related to aging.
Research shows that almost two-thirds of deaths among HIV+ people are currently
the result of non-AIDS-related causes.

Living and Aging With HIV

Recent advancements in HIV drugs have been successful at keeping people's immune systems healthy with fewer side effects and fewer pills. Despite the tremendous improvements in HIV drugs that now enable most HIV+ people to live long and healthy lives, there are several ways in which living and aging with HIV are different compared to aging while HIV-negative. Some of the health problems of older people appear to happen earlier and faster in HIV+ people.

Scientists are not sure why this happens. It may be that simply being
infected with the virus leads to many of the chronic medical conditions
associated with aging. HIV infection decreases the ability of the immune system
to fight off infections; in this sense, the immune system is "suppressed."
However, because the immune system of an HIV+ person is always struggling to
get rid of the virus, the immune system of HIV+ people is always activated, or
"turned on." After many years of being constantly activated, the immune system
of people living with HIV may show signs of premature aging.

In addition, an activated immune system produces inflammation. Ongoing
inflammation appears to be related to many conditions, including heart disease and cancer.

The drugs used to treat HIV may also contribute to the aging-related health
conditions seen in HIV+ people. Although the HIV drugs used now are more
effective and less toxic than in previous years, they still may have long-term
effects that we do not yet fully understand.

This article was provided by The Well Project. Visit The Well Project's Web site to learn more about their resources and initiatives for women living with HIV. The Well Project shares its content with TheBody.com to ensure all people have access to the highest quality treatment information available. The Well Project receives no advertising revenue from TheBody.com or the advertisers on this site. No advertiser on this site has any editorial input into The Well Project's content.

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